SK285171B6 - Compound seal, composite structure and process for producing a compound sea - Google Patents

Abstract

A composite structure comprising a pre-formed flexible laminate in adhering contact with at least a first and second transparent or translucent panel members (22, 23) such as would be useful as an insulated glass unit. The flexible laminate contains an undulating spacer element (25) either partially or totally embedded within a core material (24) and has a polymeric coating (26) on at least one surface thereof. The flexible laminate effectively seals the interior of the panel structure from air and/or moisture and maintains a desired distance between the panels (22, 23). Pre-formed flexible laminate is being shaped in extruding spout with plurality cavities.

Description

The invention relates to a mixed structure comprising a preformed flexible laminate, preferably used between at least two transparent or translucent panels. The preformed flexible laminate can serve to adhere to, separate and also seal the air space between the panels. The preformed flexible laminate comprises in particular a corrugated spacer element, further a core which partially or completely surrounds the spacer element and at least one film polymer, different from the core material, by which at least the surface of the core material is coated.

The invention further discloses a multi-cavity extrusion die for shaping this flexible laminate, wherein a core material is applied to the spacer element without damaging it in a core cavity with converging walls and a downwardly inclined casting channel. Also, at least one or more polymeric materials, which may be the same as or different from the core material, are also subsequently used in the die, maintaining the shape of the corrugated spacer element and the core material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The requirements for multi-pane, thermal insulating windows are known as they reduce heat or cooling losses. The spacer and sealing strip used in multi-pane windows has several functions. Structurally, it can serve as a spacer to prevent the proximity of several panes to one another and as an adhesive to prevent the panes from separating. The strip may also seal the interior air space between the panes, and often dries the air space so that the dew point in the interior air space is not reached, resulting in condensation of water on the pane when exposed to cold temperatures.

It has been found that viscous elastic sealing materials are deformed to allow relative movement in multi-plate assemblies. Relative movement is preferred when one or more panes exhibit physical shock or thermal expansion or shrinking to a different extent than one or more other panes.

A wide range of sealing strips has been developed. Preferred are extruded rectangular cross-section hoses filled with desiccant facing the interior air space, in combination with sealing means for sealing or adhering a plurality of sheets to the rigid plastic or metal rectangular cross-section hose. Extruded hoses must usually be cut and then braided at the corners. These entangled joints usually create weak points in the gasket. Separate spacing and sealing means further increase the complexity and laboriousness of accurately positioning the spacing and sealing means on the inner periphery of the brittle glass panes.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,691 discloses a composite spacer and sealing insert, wherein a spacer strip embedded in a deformable sealing tape is used. The spacer and gasket may bend around the corners without a tangled connection.

The seal according to this document comprises core material continuously arranged along the length of the composite seal and at least one spacer element continuously arranged along the length of the composite seal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A composite seal (flexible laminate) is used in a multi-pane window assembly to define the gap between two panes, to glue the two panes, and to seal and dry the air insulating space between at least two panes. Additional panes and compound seals may be used to form a multi-pane window with three or more panes. The composite seal consists of a longitudinal spacer (with the desired corrugation, a metal moisture barrier and a vapor barrier), a core material, and at least one adhesive material or adhesive film adhering the core material to the at least two sheets. Preferably, the core material is different in composition from the adhesive material or adhesive film material. The spacer element may be bent to accommodate the circumference of both panes without interrupting the spacer element.

A multi-cavity extrusion die is used to partially or completely embed the spacer element into the core material and to apply at least one adhesive material or adhesive film to the surface of the core material. The nozzle comprises a core cavity and an extrusion orifice for receiving the corrugated spacer element as well as the core material. The convergence angle of the core cavity is important because it creates the casting length of the extrusion orifice to prevent crushing or flattening of the spacer element (with the desired corrugation) and to prevent inflation or deformation when extruding the molded core material upon exiting the core extrusion orifice. Following application of the core material, a polymeric material (e.g. an adhesive film) is usually applied from one or more of the feed cavities to one or more surfaces of the core material. The downwardly inclined coating opening with a suitable cast length creates the final shape of the flexible laminate while still maintaining the shape of the spacer element. Several polymer feed cavities are separated from each other, but the cavities can be filled from a single feed block, which in turn can be filled from a single source. Alternatively, each feed cavity may be filled with a different polymeric material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 to 5 show a cross-section of a composite seal (laminate), where FIG. 1, the spacer element (310) is partially embedded in the left side of the seal core material (320), and an adhesive film (330) is applied on its three sides; 2 shows a similar seal except that the spacer element (410) is located closer to the middle portion of the seal (400); FIG. Fig. 3 shows a similar seal, except that there is a new surface layer (540) that can form a visible shielding screen or protective film; 4 shows a similar seal, except that there are adhesive films forming two separate films, rather than the continuous adhesive film (430) in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 shows a similar seal to FIG. 2, except that there is a core material (740) in addition to the core material (720); 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the seal of FIG. 3, showing the undulation of the spacer element (210), FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a preformed flexible laminate according to the invention, wherein FIG. 1 to 6, the seals are numbered in equal increments of 100, the spacing elements are marked 210, 310, 410, etc., the core is marked 220, 320, 420, etc., the adhesive film is marked 230, 330, 430, etc., the additional film is denoted by 540 and the additional separate core material denoted by 740, in FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional and front view of a preferred embodiment of a flexible laminate; FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of a flexible laminate; FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the multiple cavity extrusion die assembly of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a feed block manifold supplying the extrusion die with polymeric material; FIG. 12 is an inner side view of the left half of the extrusion die of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the left half of the die, FIG. 14 is a top view of the left half of the die, FIG. 15 shows the left half of the extrusion die in a rear view, FIG. 16 shows the left half of the extrusion die in a left external side view, FIG. 17 is a front view of the left half of the die, FIG. 18 is an exploded view showing the regions and holes of the multiple cavity extrusion die; FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an extrusion die with an outer liner insert; FIG. 20 including FIG. 20A, 20B and 20C are plan views of the outer casting channel inserts, and Figs. 21 showing FIG. 21A, 21B and 21C show further planar inserts of the outer casting channels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The improved preformed elastic laminate or composite spacer and sealing strip herein is comprised of a spacer, a core material composed of one or more polymeric materials, and a polymeric adhesive material or film, which are bonded to one or more panes of multi-pane, thermally isolation unit. It is desirable that the core materials differ in their composition from the adhesive film material (s). The adhesive film is manufactured individually to optimize its properties, while the core material is self-optimized for various sets of properties, such as modulus, tensile strength, drying capability, thermal conductivity and moisture and vapor transmission rate (MVT). The core material may optionally be formed by one or more different polymeric materials (e.g., including pre-foamed polymeric materials or preformed non-foamed polymeric materials) to obtain certain physical properties. For the purpose of this use, polymers are defined as substances with a number average molecular weight of over 10,000. Lower molecular weight substances will be referred to as oils and tackifiers and chemical compounds.

There are industry standards and test methods for calculating and evaluating the ability of sealed insulating glass units to withstand temperature and pressure variations, ultraviolet radiation, while maintaining seal resistance and avoiding volatile substances that can form a chemical veil on the inner surface of the glass. The preferred standard for testing methods is the national Canadian standard CAN / CGSB-12.8-M90, as compliance with its tests indicates its ability to comply with similar standards in other countries. In Section 3.6.3 of CAN / CGSB-12.8-M90, Volatile Void, it is stated that the presence of organic materials degradable by ultraviolet radiation is undesirable because when the organic substances form a film with a thickness of one or two molecules on the glass, touching the cooling plate, these substances may cause the standard not to be complied with. In Section 3.6.4, Dew Point after Cyclic Weather Change and in Section 3.6.5 Dew Point after Cyclical High Humidity, it is stated that the presence of tackifiers, which are often volatile materials and materials degradable by ultraviolet radiation, increases efficiency. At both dew points after cyclic tests, cyclic temperature variation results in compressive and tensile forces on the gasket, since the air in the sealed space tends to expand and contract.

In this embodiment, the ability to form a continuous composite seal from two or more different compositions allows the adhesive material or film to have a higher concentration of tackifiers or adhesion promoters (e.g., silanes), while the core material can be separately optimized for modules, low volatility, low density, etc., allowing the composite seal to pass the more required tests.

The composite spacer and sealing strip is a laminate of at least three materials. It differs from the other strips of insulating glass units in that the spacer (solid), the core (at least one viscous elastic material) and the adhesive material or foil (at least one viscous elastic material) are joined into a composite spacer and sealing element in the extrusion a multi-cavity nozzle as described below. Suitably, the composite seal has a thickness of about 2.54 mm (0.1) to about 31.75 mm (1.25), and in particular about 5 mm 0.2) to about 25.4 mm (1.00) .It can also be labeled as tape. Its width usually extends between two panel members. Preferably, the tape has at least two opposing adhesive surfaces so that it can adhere to one and optionally both panel members. Prior to application to the panel, the tape may have one or more release liners over adhesive surfaces to prevent the tape from spontaneously sticking during transport. The integral spacer element deforms to conform to the perimeter of the panels, without changing its width and substantial size.

Composite gaskets differ from gaskets used on construction sites, engines, hydraulic systems, etc. in that it contains about 5 to 50 wt. % of a desiccant, and in particular about 8 to about 15 wt. based on the weight of the compound seal.

By the method of manufacture of the spacer and sealing element according to the invention, it is possible to avoid many foreseeable problems associated with laminates shaped from viscous elastic materials (for example polymers or a bundle of polymers). For example, the cross-sectional uniformity of a laminate produced by joining a plurality of polymer bundles (shaped or unformed) outside the extrusion die is difficult to control. The pressures for the coherent bonding of the different bundles would have to be substantially lower than the deformation pressure of most pliable polymer bundles. Furthermore, the tackiness of the polymer bundles (required to form a cohesive composite spacer and sealing member) would first cause the strip to adhere to the forming and laminating device.

The core material comprises at least one component, and if it contains several components, they are bonded together. Suitably, the core material is different in composition from the adhesive film and spacer element. Suitably, the core material has about 50 to 99% by volume of the composite seal, and in particular about 60 to about 98% by volume of the composite seal. Further, with reference to the composition of multiple films or multiple core materials, the values to be compared will be the average weight values for all core materials or all adhesive films unless a single material is used.

The core material has, on average, more filler on a weight percent basis than the adhesive film material. Suitably, the core material has about 25 to about 85 wt%, and in particular about 40 to about 75 wt%. fillers based on the weight of the core material. Suitably, the adhesive material or film has about 5 to about 50 wt. fillers, and in particular about 10 to about 35% by weight, based on the weight of the adhesive film. Since fillers may reduce adhesion, it is desirable that they be contained in the adhesive film at a lower concentration. Fillers can modify the rheology of the polymer composition and provide protection against ultraviolet radiation. Suitably, the core material has an average of at least 5 or 10 wt%, and in particular at least 20 wt%. more filler than adhesive film.

Suitably, the adhesive film comprises more tackifier, on a weight percent basis, than the average core material. Suitably, the adhesive film has about 2 to about 50 wt. tackifiers (e.g., resins), and in particular about 5 or 10 to about 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the adhesive film. Suitably, the core material has less than 20, and in particular less than 15 wt. tackifiers, based on the total weight of the core material. In particular, the average adhesive film should have at least 2, 5 or 10 wt. % more tackifier than the core material, and more preferably at least 15 or 20 wt. more tackifier than the core material. The amounts of desiccant and glass adhesion promoter, on an average weight percent basis in the core and adhesive film, are also varied as set forth below.

The desiccant is used to dry the interior air space below the dew point. Suitably, the desiccant is contained in the core material at a higher average percentage weight than in the adhesive film. The desiccants may be used in the core material in an amount of about 5 to about 50% by weight, in particular about 8 to about 10% by weight. The desiccants may be included in the adhesive film in an amount of about 0 to about 12% by weight, especially about Suitably, the weight percent concentration of desiccant in the core material is at least about 2, 5, or 10 wt%. Since the desiccant is used to dry the interior air space, it is desirable that at least a portion (e.g., at least 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60% by weight) is desirable. The core material was positioned between the inner air space and the at least one longitudinal spacer element of the insulating unit. Suitably, the composite seal is designed to accommodate at least that portion of the core material. A preferred desiccant is a molecular sieve. Other desiccants include zeolite filters, silica gels, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate and activated alumina.

Suitably, the adhesive film comprises more glass adhesion promoters, based on weight percent, (e.g., silanes such as vinyltriethoxysilane) as the core material. Preferably, the adhesive film comprises on average about 0.25 to about 2 wt. It is preferred that the core material contain less than 1 wt. silanes, and in particular less than 0.75 wt. Suitably, the weight percent silane content in the adhesive film is at least 0.25% by weight, and in particular 0.5% by weight. higher than in the core material.

The core material comprises at least one component, and if it contains several components, they are bonded together. This component is deformable so that during assembly of the multi-panel insulating unit, the width of the composite sealing element (perpendicular to the panels) may be compressed to about the width of the spacer element, forming a continuous seal near the periphery of the panels. A portion of the core material may consist of a preformed foam (for example, a polymer foam such as urethane foam, or foamed polymers such as polyvinyl chloride), low or high density polyethylene, rubber modified polystyrene, or polyethylene modified polystyrene. The remainder of the core, and often the entire core, is composed of a composite, substantially amorphous polymer. Although isobutylene-based polymers such as polyisobutylene and butyl rubber are preferred because of their low moisture and vapor transmission rate (MVT), other polymers may be used instead of or in addition to isobutylene-based polymers. Isobutylene-based polymers will be defined as polymers containing at least 80 mole percent of isobutylene monomer units. Examples of other polymers include ethylene-propylene copolymer, terpolymer of ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, acrylic rubber, neoprene rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, urethane, epoxy resin, natural rubber conjugate, polymeric polymer, diester, or styrene-butadiene gum and amorphous polyolefins (e.g., homopolymers or copolymers of propene) with additional mono-olefins or diolefins containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms and having a degree of crystallinity of less than 20% by weight, which are not EPDM copolymers of ethylene-propylene. It is preferred that the polyisobutylenes have number diameters, relative molecular weights of about 2,000 to 1,400,000 or more, and in particular 10,000 to 500,000. It is preferred that the polyisobutylene be substantially isobutylene polymers with residues of chain initiators or carriers, or chain terminators. . Butyl rubber is a polymer containing about 80 to 96 or 99 wt. % isobutylene and about 1 to about 20 wt. other monomers such as dienes of 4 to 12 carbon atoms (e.g. isoprene), or aromatic vinyl monomers of 8 to 16 carbon atoms such as styrene, p-methyl styrene, etc. When p-methyl styrene is a comonomer, it is preferred that the polymer be halogenated (e.g. brominated). Suitably, the butyl rubber has a number average molecular weight of about 250,000 to about 600,000, and in particular of about 350,000 to about 450,000. It is desirable that other polymers have a number average molecular weight of about 10,000 to 1,000,000 or 2,000. It is desirable that amorphous poly-α-olefins have a number average molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 40,000, and especially about 10,000 to about 25,000. If butyl rubber is present in the core, it is desirable about 5 to about 70 wt. polymers. Amorphous poly-α-olefins are often used in conjunction with polyisobutylene or butyl rubber. Suitably, the weight ratio of amorphous poly-α-olefins to polyisobutylene or butyl rubber is 1: 8 to 8: 1, and in particular 1: 4 to 4: 1.

The core material may optionally comprise thermoplastic elastomers, such as styrene-butadiene block copolymers, such as Kraton ™ or thermoplastic elastomers made by dynamic vulcanization of one or more types of rubber dispersed in one or more thermoplastic polymers. They are commercially available from Advanced Systems, Akron, Ohio. Materials of low thermal conductivity, such as foams, may be used in the core to reduce the overall thermal conductivity of the composite seal. It is desirable that the composite seal have a low thermal conductivity. Suitably, the thermal conductivity of the core material is at least 10%, and in particular at least 20, 30 or 50% lower than that of the adhesive film. It can be measured using ASTM C177-85.

The core material polymers and adhesive materials or films have a certain glass transition temperature (Tg). The glass transition temperature (Tg) is the temperature at which the polymer goes from glass to rubbery. It can be measured by differential scanning calorimetry or dynamic mechanical analysis. Compatible polymers and organic compounds (hydrocarbon resins) can shift the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer when mixed with it. As the polymer passes from the glass to the rubbery state, its modulus decreases. In this application, it is desirable that the glass transition temperature (ie, the primary glass transition associated with at least 50 volume percent polymer) of the core material and the adhesive film be at least 5, 10, or 20 ° C, preferably Tg of the adhesive film is about + 20 ° C to -60 ° C, and in particular about 0 ° C to about -30 ° C. Suitably, the Tg of the core material is about +100 ° C to about -60 ° C, and in particular about +60 ° C to -30 ° C.

A preferred core material composition is about 5 to 15 wt. % isobutylene-based polymers, about 5 to 15 wt. % amorphous poly-α-olefin, about 5 to 15 wt. % hydrocarbon resin, about 25 to 75 wt. % of carbon black or other fillers and about 10 to 30 wt. plasticizer.

The components of the core / adhesive film mixture include fillers, antioxidants, hydrocarbon resins, antiozonants, plasticizers, tackifiers (e.g. tackifiers), glass adhesion promoters, desiccants, etc. Carbon black is a preferred filler because it has some reinforcing effects and is very effective in protecting the seal from ultraviolet radiation. Other preferred fillers are talc flour, TiO ₂ and hollow glass beads. The hollow glass beads have the task of reducing the density and thermal conductivity of the composite seal. Since volatile substances can condense on the panel surface resulting in the formation of a chemical veil or condensate (misting), it is desirable that the components of the mixture have low volatility or that they are not placed in a composite gasket to minimize the possibility of misting interior air space. Suitably, volatile tackifiers and glass adhesion promoters are contained in lower concentrations in the core and in higher concentrations in adhesive materials or films. Adhesive films in alternative composite seal designs may be exposed to a limited extent to the interior air space.

The primary function of adhesive materials or films is bonding, and the secondary function is to act as a moisture barrier and a vapor barrier at the interface between the spacing elements and the transparent or translucent panels. The preferred composition of the adhesive films is about 15 to about 30 wt. % isobutylene based polymer, about 15 to about 30 wt. % hydrocarbon gum, about 15 to 25 wt. about 15 to about 35 wt. carbon black or other fillers and optionally a silane promoting adhesion.

The adhesive material or foil (e.g., coating) of the composite seal may be located within the seal: 1. on portions of the core surface sufficient to adhere the first and second panel members (sheets); 2. on the entire surface in contact with the first and second panel members; 3. partially or completely surrounding the core material (as shown in the drawing). Thus, the adhesive material or film is formed by at least one film, and in some preferred embodiments, by at least two of its composition by the same or different films (for example, one that is in contact with the first panel member and the other that is in contact with the second panel member). The adhesive material or film is typically formed by a pumpable composite polymer composition during manufacture of the composite seal. For some applications, it may be desirable that both the adhesive film and the core material be vulcanizable. For this purpose, the term vulcanizable is defined as the chemical crosslinking of polymers which results in an increase in modulus of tensile of at least 5, 10 or 15% after vulcanization.

The polymers of these adhesive materials or films are the same as those listed for the core material. It is desirable that the polymers used in the core and in the adhesive film have different percentages by weight. It is particularly preferred that the isobutylene-based polymers comprise a percentage by weight of at least 20 or 25, and in particular at least 50, and most preferably at least 90% of the total polymer content of the adhesive film.

Suitably, the adhesive film has a thickness of about 25 µm (0.001) and can occupy up to about 50 volume percent of the composite seal, and in particular about 1 or 2 to about 40 volume percent. In particular, the adhesive film has a thickness of about 0.051 to about 5.08 mm (0.002 to 0.200) and, in a most preferred embodiment, about 0.254 mm to about 2.54 mm (0.010 to 0.100). At least one adhesive film of the composite seal must be in contact with the first panel member, and the same or another adhesive film of the composite seal must be in contact with the second panel member of the insulating unit. Due to the method of forming (coextrusion) of the adhesive film, the adhesive film can easily vary its thickness in the cross section of the composite seal.

Suitably, the adhesive film remains uncrosslinked in the insulating unit, but optionally crosslinks or vulcanizes some or all of the adhesive film if the core material is not vulcanized. The preferred anti-crosslinking arrangement is due to volatile substances formed during crosslinking, which may cause chemical haze or condensation on the panels during operation (fogging), as in § 3.6.3 of CAN / CGSB-12.8-M90. If volatile substances could be omitted or isolated from the interior air space, this advantage would be diminished. The polymer foil may consist of two or more adhesive foils of the same extent as two adjacent parallel foils, different in composition, adhered to the same first or second panel.

During extrusion of the composite gasket or after the composite gasket has been formed, a decorative exterior (visible layer) can be formed. A decorative exterior finish is more often used on the inner surface of the composite seal where it adheres to the sealed air space (i.e., parallel to the spacer). The outer finish can be used on the opposite side (180 °) of the compound seal. This external treatment, when present on the inner surface of the seal, is often visible from within the bonded window and can be used to change the color or appearance of the compound seal. If the exterior treatment is carried out after extrusion of the seal, then the exterior treatment is defined as part of the composite seal. When the outer finish is coextruded and is equivalent in composition to the adhesive film, and is bonded to the adhesive film, it is defined as part of the adhesive film. Otherwise, it will be defined as part of the core material.

A protective film may be placed on the same inner surface of the composite seal for decorative treatment. If the protective film has a suitable color, it can act as a protective film or as a decorative exterior. Suitably, the protective film prevents the volatile or vaporized chemical compounds from penetrating the composite seal into the sealed space between the two panel members according to the CAN / CGSB ° -12.8-M90 standard, Volatile Void Test. To achieve this, the protective film should be positioned substantially continuously between the two panel members (where it passes and is in contact with the two panel members) and should extend around the entire perimeter of the sealed space. The protective film should, by its composition, contain a low amount of volatile chemicals or compounds that produce volatile substances when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. This low amount is less than or equal to the average concentrations in the adhesive films or core materials. If a filler is used, it is desirable to be a flake filler, such as talc powder with protective properties. It is preferred that the polymers comprise at least 20 or 25% by weight, in particular at least 50% by weight. and in a preferred embodiment at least 90 wt. of this protective film were butyl rubber or polyisobutylene, or EPDM rubber, or other amorphous polyolefins, or compounds thereof. The protective film will be more similar to the core material.

Suitably, the spacer element is able to withstand normal compressive forces exerted on at least one plane perpendicular to the plane in which the longitudinal region of the spacer element is located (e.g. forces perpendicular to the planes formed by said panel members) and generally defines a minimum the spacing between the first and second panel members and prevented moisture and vapor (MVT) from passing through a substantial portion (mostly) of the composite seal. The core or adhesive film usually extends over the spacer element in said plane to a sufficient extent such that upon application of pressure, the adhesive film and optionally also the core material deform easily and form a continuous sealing interface with the two panels, but without harmful deformation of the composite seal the spacer element and the viscous elastic properties of the other components). In most cases, a gap of about 0.025 mm to about 0.76 mm (0.001 to 0.03) is expected between the ends of the spacer and each panel due to the viscous elastic properties of the adhesive film and core material. In particular, about 0.25 mm (0.01) due to entrapped viscous elastic material near the top and bottom of the spacer element is suitable.

The metal spacer typically has a lower moisture and vapor transmission rate (MVT) than the plastic spacer. The width of the spacer element is measured perpendicular to the panel members. The spacer element has its maximum stiffness in the width direction. The spacer element is relatively resilient transverse to the height direction, allowing it to be bent to accommodate the periphery of the panel members. The spacer element in a preferred embodiment can bend transversely (perpendicular) to its width at an angle of 1 or 2 to 150 without changing the width of the spacer element more than one tenth of a percent and only deforms the wall of the spacer element. The spacer element is preferably a strip of plastic, metal or vulcanised rubber or as a laminate of plastic and metal or paper (cellulose) and metal or vulcanized rubber and metal. It is desirable to undulate the spacer elements (e.g., sinusoidal) along their length to increase stiffness. U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,691 refers herein to a flexible strip of a spacer member and its interaction with a deformable sealing member and a mixed structure.

The spacer element may have about 0.1 to about 10% of the volume of the composite seal. Suitably, the spacer element is positioned between said sheets in a space of about 2.5 to 25.4 mm (0.1 to 1), in particular about 3.8 to about 19.1 mm (0.15 to 0.75) . Suitably, the total thickness (without counting the corrugations or measured before corrugating) of the spacer element is about one tenth or less, especially one hundredth or less, and preferably one thousandth or less of its width. For example, the metal spacers may have a thickness of 0.025 mm to about 0.25 mm (0.001 to 0.01), while the plastic spacers may have a thickness of 0.38 mm (0.015) or more. It is desirable to maintain a small cross-sectional area of heat transfer for metal spacer elements (with a higher heat transfer rate than most polymers).

Suitably, the first and second transparent or translucent panel members comprise a glass or plastic sheet for use in a window. They can also be called glass sheets. Glass is preferred for its low moisture and vapor permeability rate (MVT), allowing a low dew point in the indoor air space to be maintained for long periods of operation. The composite seal can also be used for non-light transmitting panels. Although two panel members (panels) represent a minimum to define a sealed insulating air space, additional panels or other materials may be provided to form two or more insulating air spaces. Suitably, the panel members are facing each other, parallel and of equal size and shape.

Glass members include plain glass, coated glass panes, toughened glass, and low emissivity glass (E), one or more surfaces of which are treated with various metal oxides. Typical coatings for glass (E) include iridium oxide or elemental silver layers and optionally zinc or titanium dioxide layers. The thickness of the glass usually varies from about 2.00 to about 6.4 mm (0.080 to 0.25), although for some applications the glass may be thinner or thicker. Polymeric (plastic) films, due to their higher moisture and vapor transmission rate (MVT) and lower weight, are mainly formed by interlayer layers in insulating windows with three or more members. These multi-panel windows may have a seal between all panel members or may have panels positioned between two other panel members that are joined by a single seal. The panels may have mirror, reflective or tinted layers on one or more surfaces, or may have internal tinting.

Between the transparent and translucent panel members there is a space delimited by the panels and the seal, it being desirable that the seal be positioned as close as possible to the periphery of the panel members as commercially possible and to be in physical contact with the mutually facing surfaces of the panel members. Although a vacuum in this space would provide excellent insulation, an insulating gas such as air, argon, sulfur hexafluoride or a mixture thereof is usually present in the space. It is desirable that the space between the panels contains so little moisture that the dew point of the interior air space is less than -34 ° C, and in particular less than -51 ° C (less than -30 ° F, and in particular less than -60 ° F). This air space has a significantly lower thermal conductivity than the glass or metal forming the thermal insulation.

Ability to pass cyclic temperature variation tests according to Canadian CAN / CGSB-12.8-M90, § 4.3.4 and §

4.3.5 proves that the integrity of the seal in the window assembly will be maintained for years. In these tests, and in actual use, sufficient pressures are generated above and below one atmosphere to bend the glass sheets by heating and cooling the glass units. To demonstrate the need for its composition of different core material and adhesive film, two composite strips with corrugated aluminum spacing elements were prepared, the first consisting only of the desired core material (ie low volatility to comply with Section 4.3.3) and the other containing in addition to the core material different adhesive foil by its composition. Both strips were tested by cyclic temperature variation tests where the insulating glass units were immersed in water so that the seal failures were internally labeled with water. The composite gasket-free gasket failed in 10 to 15 cycles, while the nearly identical gasket-gasket stood at least 1.25; 1.5; 1.75; 2.0; 3.0; 4.0; 5.0; 7.7 or 10 times more cycles without seal failure.

Both the core material module and the adhesive film module are important for the durability of the assembled insulating glass unit. A higher modulus of core material than the adhesive film provides the necessary rigidity perpendicular to the glass surface and further reinforces the spacer elements. Alternatively, a lower core material modulus over the adhesive film will make this system more flexible, which will increase the damping properties and further reduce the stress concentration at the glass / film interface, compared to a higher core material module with the same adhesive layer. Suitably, the difference between the modules of the adhesive film and the core material is 10 percent or more, or higher, depending on the embodiment. Modules for this characterization are determined by dynamic mechanical analysis at a temperature of 40 ° C or higher. For multiple core material or adhesive film, all core material modules must be different from all adhesive film modules with a minimum value.

The composite seal is useful in forming insulating panel members for residential, commercial or industrial structures. Multiple panel members with at least one sealing strip inserted are often assembled in a single location and delivered (individually or sliding into the sash) to the assembly site. With the composite seal according to the present invention, the multiple insulating structure of the panel member may be assembled or modified (where one or more panels are to be replaced) at the assembly site.

In FIG. 10 shows an extrusion die used to make a preformed laminate or composite spacer and sealing strip according to the invention. The integral multi-cavity extrusion die generally designated 100 has a left half 110A and a right half 110B that are mutually aligned by alignment pins 111 and alignment recesses (not shown) and are disposed in the remaining die half. The left die 110A and the right die die 110B include various cavities that allow the core material feed stream to partially or completely surround the corrugated spacer 210, or to apply one or more polymer coating material feed streams to preselected core material surfaces, such as is described in more detail below. The multi-cavity extrusion die 100 includes a lower manifold block 140, a left feed block 150, and a right feed block 160 that can be attached or attached to the die halves in any conventional manner, such as by means of screws and threaded holes. The nozzle is further provided with an upper feed block 170 in conjunction with a right auxiliary feed block 180, for applying a separate feed stream of polymer coating material to a preselected core material surface. The multi-cavity extrusion die 100 according to the invention comprises one or more cavities for supplying a polymeric coating material to deposit or form a film on a certain area or surface of the core material that is in contact with a spacer element embedded in or on it. That is, an integral (split) extrusion die

100, formed by joining the left half 110A and the right half 110B, is provided with at least one feed cavity for applying at least one different material than the core material to a preselected surface of the molded core material in the integral or separate extrusion die. Thus, this single multi-cavity extrusion die, according to the invention, is not connected to another extrusion die and thus is arranged without any other extrusion die and without any additional block, etc., which applies at least another different material to the core material.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG.

10, the extrusion die has four feed cavities of polymeric material. The polymeric material for each extrusion die feed cavity may be the same or may be different, or two or several feed cavities may contain the same polymeric material, and so on. In this preferred embodiment, each feed cavity comprises the same polymeric material. All cavities may have the same size or shape, or each may be different, or two or more cavities may have the same size or shape and the like. The size and shape of each cavity in a preferred embodiment is the same as the same angle of the cavity with respect to the longitudinal axis of the extrusion die. In addition, the location of the outlet or outlet of each feed cavity, i.e. the opening of the cavity to the extrusion zone, may be arranged at the same location below the core cavity, or each may be arranged at different distances below the core cavity, or be arranged equidistantly below the core cavity, and the like. In particular, the outlet location of each feed cavity of the polymeric material is arranged equidistantly below the core cavity to prevent twisting, bending or flattening of the spacer element. Still further, each outer distance of the two or more different cavity outlets may be different with respect to the extruded core material, or in particular at least two are the same, so that these cavities produce the same coating thickness. In addition, the cavity outlets may be positioned opposite to each other, in a rectangular, square, hexagonal, etc., polygonal configuration, or two or more cavities may be aligned opposite each other, the remaining cavities not being opposite to each other, and so on. In particular, two of the opposite cavity outlets are positioned opposite each other as the other two cavity outlets, all aligned with respect to the extruded core material. Thus, the description of the filling system will relate to these preferred embodiments, although it will be understood that there may be many variations thereof as mentioned and as will be indicated.

The manifold feed block 190, which is attached to or attached to the lower portion of the multi-aperture manifold block 140, is provided with an inlet opening to receive the desired polymeric coating material, such as a polymer adhesive coating, as mentioned above. The polymeric material may be fed to the manifold feed block 190 from any conventional feed source such as a positive displacement pump, gear pump, extruder, and the like. Of course, when two or more different polymer materials are used, two or more supply sources must be used. When the polymeric material is pumped into the distributor feed block 190, FIG.

11, it passes through the inlet port 191 and enters the distribution area 192. The distribution area 192 is terminated by supply channels 193A, 193B, 193C and 193D. Each of these supply channels may optionally be equipped with flow control valves 194A, 194B, 194C or 194D. Each control valve serves to control the amount of polymeric coating material applied to a particular surface of the core material or to the surface of the spacer element when the element is exposed to the surface of the core material. The polymeric material exits from the distributor feed block 190 through individual outlet ports 195A, 195B, 195C and 195D, each of which is directly connected to four supply ports, i. j. 141A, 141B, 141Cal41D at the bottom of the multi-aperture manifold block 140.

Each of these feed openings 141A, 141B, 141C and 141D is in turn connected to different filling blocks, as shown in FIG. 10, wherein each filling block is in turn connected to a certain cavity of the multi-cavity extrusion die 100. Thus, the feed opening 141A is connected to the feed channel 151 of the left feed block 150, the feed channel 151 extends from the inlet opening 152 through the partially left feed block 150 at an angle so that it enters the left half 110A of the extruder nozzle at an angle greater than 90. block 150 through an outlet orifice 153 that communicates with the left orifice 114A of the left feed cavity 115A of FIG. The obtuse angle between the feed channel 151 and the feed cavity 115A facilitates the flow of the polymeric coating material, and also prevents a high back pressure and thus an unbalanced pressure of the polymer or its flow with respect to the other feed streams. The feed opening 141B of the manifold block 140 is directly connected to the lower opening 114B of the lower feed cavity 115B. The inlet aperture 141C of the manifold block 140 is connected to the channel 161 of the right feed block 160, which is provided with an inlet aperture 162 and an outlet aperture 163. The outlet aperture 163 is connected to the right aperture 114C of the right feed cavity 115C. The feed port 141D is connected to the feed channel 181 of the auxiliary feed block 180, which is provided with an inlet port 182 and an outlet port 183. Suitably, the outlet port 183 of the feed channel 181 is connected to the upper feed channel 171 of the upper feed block 170. 171 is provided with an inlet channel 172 and an outlet channel 173, which in turn is connected to the upper opening 114D of the upper feed cavity 115D. Like the feed channel 151, the feed channels 161 and 171 also form an obtuse angle with respective cavities of the extrusion die.

With respect to the multi-cavity extrusion die, although it has been described according to the preferred embodiments, it is understood that while the thickness of each polymeric film applied to the core material can be varied independently, the same thicknesses are preferred, at least on opposite surfaces.

A multi-cavity extrusion die as shown in FIG. 12, it has a core cavity 120 that is generally cylindrical and includes a spacer element 210 therein. A cavity chute 105 with converging walls 107 terminating at the bottom, i. j. in the converging portion of the core cavity walls. In particular, the end of the guide chute is located just in front of (i.e., longitudinally above) the inner runner channel, for example about 1.6 mm (1/16). The guide chute 105 can also pass through the support elements (not shown), so that the spacer element can be centrally located within the core material as shown in FIG. 2 or 3 or one face thereof, as shown in FIG. 1 or the like. That is, based on the eight-X-Y system, the spacer element can generally be positioned in any part of the core.

The core cavity 120 terminates in a convergent conical wall 122 inclined at a desired angle to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, i. j. to the centerline of the core cavity or the front / rear axis 121. The angle of convergence or lead-in is very important because, if it is very low, the pressure of the core material pumped or transported by the core cavity deforms or generally flatts the corrugated spacer 210. On the other hand, if the convergence or lead angle is very large, the turbulent flow of the polymer will cause the polymer to fold and trap air from the bottom of the guide chute 105 around the spacer embedded in the core. Suitable convergence angles between the axis 121 and the converging wall 122 are in the range of about 30 to 60, preferably about 35 to about 50, and in particular about 37 to about 45. During operation of the multiple cavity extrusion die when the spacer element is drawn through the cavity for a core filled with the core material, the core material is usually applied to both front faces of a mostly rectangular spacer, and also to both sides thereof.

Immediately below the inner pouring channels 130 of the core cavity are various feed cavities (see Figs. 10, 12, 16, 18 and 19), each having an inner wall 124 disposed toward the back side 118 of the dispensing nozzle and an outer wall 126 disposed in the direction. to the front side 119 of the die. The angle of inclination of the inner wall 124 to the longitudinal axis 121 of the nozzle (ie, the central axis) is typically greater than the convergence angle of the core cavity and is usually about 50 to about 65, preferably about 55 to about 65, while the inclination angle of the outer wall 126 to the longitudinal axis. The nozzle 121 may vary in the range of about 65 to about 85, preferably about 78 to about 83. These angles are generally important to allow the same coating thickness applied over the entire width of one or more surfaces, as well as to achieve similar or equal pressures or balanced or of the same stream of polymeric coating material.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 18, the opposing and substantially parallel surfaces of the inner pouring channel 130 (i.e. inclined generally at less than 10, preferably less than 5, and in particular about 0, i.e. parallel to each other) are disposed between the end or exit portions of the feed cavities of the polymer material and the end of the converging end. the core cavity wall 122. The length of the surfaces of the inner casting canary 130, i. j. the distance in the longitudinal direction or in the axis of the nozzle is important because, if this length is very long, great pressure is exerted on the spreader causing lateral undulation, deflection, etc., resulting in its twisting, resizing or flattening, etc. On the other hand, if this length were very small, the core material applied to the spacer element upon exit from the inner casting channel 130 would expand so that instead of creating a preferred rectangular core shape with the embedded spacer element, its sides would bulge and be warped, bent A suitable length of the inner casting canal 130 is generally about 2.4 mm to about 12.7 mm (3/32 to 1/2), preferably about 3.2 mm to about 11 mm (1/8 to 7/16). ), and in particular about 4.8 mm to about 6.4 mm (3/16 to 1/4).

Gradually or after passing the spacer element through the core extrusion hole 131 (i.e., downstream of the core cavity), the polymer coating material or film is applied to the spacer element by one or more cavities, in particular four polymer cavities, where the end or exit portions thereof is positioned between the inner casting channel 130 and the outer casting channel 135. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pressure or flow of the polymer coating material in the cavities 115A and 115C is required to be equal to the two lateral sides of the core material printed preferably in a rectangular shape. the spacer element had the same thickness, see fig. 8. The thickness of the coating on the end faces of the core material is also required to be the same, although this thickness may differ from the thickness on the side faces. The flow rate of the polymeric coating material can be controlled by the pressure under which the material is fed through the feed cavities, its temperature, or both. For example, when the temperature of the coating material is increased, a lower pressure is required to push it through the feed cavities. Alternatively, lower temperatures usually require increased pressure. The viscosity of the polymeric material in each feed cavity is usually up to 20%, preferably up to 10%, and in particular up to 5%. It is generally important that the flow pressure through two or more different cavities is usually equalized, since otherwise a greater pressure or force in any cavity would result in a larger coating being deposited on the respective surface and reducing the coating size on the opposite surface. As a means of providing equal pressures, the different feed cavities may optionally include a flow divider, i. j. a metal part (not shown) that usually passes through the opening of the feed cavity (especially the upper feed cavity 115D and the lower feed cavity 115B) and ensures that the same amount of polymeric coating material passes through the entire cross-section of the cavity opening.

After application of the various polymeric coating materials to the extruded core material and the spacer element, through the polymer cavity feed cavities, it is subsequently molded downstream of the core cavity by an extrusion orifice 136 onto a coating disposed between opposing and substantially parallel surfaces of the outer casting channel 135 (i.e. at less than 10, preferably less than 5, and especially about 0 (i.e., parallel to each other). The shape of the coating extrusion hole 136 is generally the same as the extruded core material and the spacer, but has a slightly greater width and height to allow the thickness of the coatings to be formed on the side and front sides, i. j. in particular of the same thickness for opposite surfaces, but with the provision that the thickness of the coating on the end faces may be different from the thickness of the coating on the side faces. As can be seen in FIG. 18, the outer casting channels are arranged immediately below the exit of the feed cavities of the polymer material. Like the length of the surface of the inner casting canary, the length of the surface of the outer casting canal is also important because when it is very small, different coating materials can swell or increase their volume and can form a warped or bent coating on the surface if this length is very long, a high pressure is applied which can twist the desired protrusions or undulations of the spacer element resulting in its flattening.

Although FIG. 17 illustrates the relationship of the inner and outer casting canals between the feed cavities 115B and 115D, it is clear that the relationship of all remaining not shown cast canaries, for example, the inner and outer casting canals between the left and right transfer cavities 115A and U5C is similar. For example, the inner casting channels have the same distance in the direction below the core cavity, have the same casting length, and can be adjusted at the same distance from the extruded core material, so that each coating thickness on the sides of the polymer seal is the same. The same is true in relation to external casting canaries. In addition, the length of the outer casting canal (i.e., the distance in the longitudinal direction) is generally the same as that of the inner canal.

In FIG. 19 shows an alternative embodiment of a multiple cavity extrusion die according to the invention. In FIG. 19, the left half of the nozzle and also the right half of the nozzle are shown, generally only the front part of the nozzle being provided, so that there is no external integral casting canary.

That is, the longitudinal axis of the multiple cavity extrusion die ends at the end of the outer wall of the polymer material cavity. Since the other aspects of the multi-cavity extrusion die, as well as the various filler blocks, such as the lower distributor block, the left filler block, the right filler ball, etc., are essentially the same, they are not shown. As shown in FIG. 19, the core cavity and the converging wall angles for the core, the various feed cavities for the polymeric material, generally equalized flow rates or equalized pressures, and the like, are substantially the same as previously mentioned and therefore will not be described. The same is true of the length of the inner canal and its opening. With respect to the multi-cavity extrusion die shown in FIG. 10 to 18, various aspects of the liner liner are the same as described for the integral liner with respect to its length, its bore, and the like, and therefore will not be repeated, but rather will be fully incorporated herein by reference.

An advantage of using a multi-cavity extrusion die 10 with an outer casting canal liner 35 is that only one or one pair of multi-cavity extrusion die (each having a few relatively cheap 35 canary liners) is required as opposed to the other multiple and expensive extrusion nozzles.

The multi-cavity extrusion die 10 extrudes core material generally around the spacer element as mentioned. There may be a variety of different embodiments of the outer casting liner insert. For example, the width of the spacer element 31, as shown in FIG. 20A, 20B and 20C, but the outlet opening 36c is the same. Also, the coating thickness of the polymeric material on the side of the spacer element is shown in FIG. 20A greater than the thickness of FIG. 20B, which in turn is larger than FIG. 20C. In all FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C, the height of the casting channel opening is the same, and thus all the thicknesses of the coatings of the polymer material on the front of the core material are the same. Alternatively, the spacing element may be the same width as shown in FIG. 21A, 21B and 21C, but the width 36 of the casting canal opening varies. Also, the coating of polymeric material has on both sides of the spacer element in FIG. 21A, while the thickness of the coating on the sides of the spacer element in FIG. 21B is smaller, and in turn the thickness of the coating on the sides of the spacer element in FIG. 21C is even smaller. In each of the three embodiments of FIG. 21A, 21B and 21C, the height of the length of the casting channel opening is the same, and thus all the thicknesses of the coatings of the polymeric material at the front of the core material are the same.

As can be seen from the embodiment of the liner of the outer casting canal, according to FIG. 19, 20 and 21, a plurality of spacer elements may be coated with core material and subsequently a polymeric coating material, varying the width and height of the various spacer elements, further varying the thickness of the polymer coating on the sides of the various spacer elements, or varying the thickness of the various spacer elements. or any combination thereof may occur. In addition, the length of the outer casting canary can vary according to the individual inserts. The use of outer liner canals also greatly enhances the ability or use of a single or individual multi-cavity extrusion die that does not have an outer liner forming an integral part thereof.

The spacer element embedded in the core material and the polymer coating, as shown in FIG. 1 to 9, may be shaped as follows. A suitable core material is fed into the core cavity 120. The core material may be extruded through the cavity using any conventional extrusion means. A suitable spacing element having a wavy, zigzag, etc. shape is selectively fixed by the guide chute 105 and guided through the central portion of the core cavity and through the opening 131 of the inner casting channel. Subsequently, polymeric coating material is fed or applied sequentially or away from the aperture 131 to one or more preselected surfaces or areas, for example, on opposite sides of the extruded core material, at a suitable and desired uniform thickness, and also on the front sides of the extruded core material. The polymeric material is then extruded through the orifice of the outer casting channel. The outer casting channel may form an integral part of the multiple cavity extrusion die, as in FIG. 10 to 18 or an outer casting channel liner attached to a modified extrusion die, as shown in FIG. 19. The temperature of the core material is selected such that the material softens, and a pressure is applied or applied at which the material flows through the internal pouring channel, such as a cold stream. Similarly, temperature and pressure are selected for the polymeric coating material so as to soften the polymeric coating material, and so that the pressure is sufficient to apply it to the core material and allow flow through the openings of the outer casting channel.

The intended temperature and pressure used may, of course, vary with the type of core materials or one or more polymeric materials. Suitable temperatures can vary widely from about 38 ° C (100 ° F) to about 316 ° C (600 ° F), and in particular from about 79 ° C (175 ° F) to about 121 ° C (250 ° F). Suitable pressures for the polymeric coating may also vary widely from about 50 to about 2000 psi, and in particular from about 500 to about 1000 psi. (Note 1 psi = 6.89 kPa).

On the whole, the best preformed flexible laminate 200 according to the invention is produced by successive coating, i. j. generally by initially shaping the core material around the spacer and then applying the polymer coating to one or more preselected surfaces of the shaped core. The preselected core surfaces are in different planes with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core. That is, when two or more coating cavities are used, they apply a coating to surfaces that generally do not form part of the same longitudinal plane or surface, but may be opposed (ie, parallel) surfaces than those occurring in a square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc., or surfaces that are inclined or oblique to each other. Only one extruder is required to form the flexible laminate. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, it is required to use only one manifold feed block to feed a series of feed streams to two or more cavities of a multi-cavity extrusion die, generally of the same pressures or flow rates. The entire manufacturing process is thus carried out due to parameters such as suitable converging core angles, suitable deposition angles of polymer coating material, suitable lengths of casting channels and the like, so that the shape of the corrugated spacer element does not substantially and particularly affect, deform or change.

Although the best mode and preferred embodiment has been reported according to the patent specifications, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto but rather the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (32)

A composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) for defining the spacing and sealing the air space between at least two panel members facing each other, to form an insulating panel structure, characterized in that it comprises (a) at least one adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) continuously arranged along the length of the composite gasket (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) and provided with at least two opposite adhesive surfaces . b) at least one core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) continuously arranged along the length of the composite gasket (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) and between the at least two opposite adhesive surfaces and c) at least one spacer element (210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) continuously arranged along the length of the composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800), which is partially embedded or embedded in a core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) having the width and thickness of the at least one spacer, having a width greater than the thickness or having at least one bend in the spacer, or a combination thereof, having at least double stiffness in a pressure load applied in the direction of its width rather than in its thickness, the adhesive film being different in its material composition from the core material. Composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises 5 to 50 wt. a desiccant selected from molecular sieve, zeolite, silica gel, calcium oxide or activated alumina, or a combination thereof, wherein the core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) comprises at least 2 wt. more desiccant than the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) based on the weight of the core and the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830). Composite gasket (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) according to claim 2, characterized in that the core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) and the adhesive film (230) (330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) comprises an isobutylene-based polymer and a plasticizer. A mixed structure comprising at least a first and a second transparent or translucent panel member having inverted parallel surfaces disposed at a definite distance from each other and a composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) according to claim 1, disposed circumferentially of the first and second panel members, which is in physical contact with the surfaces of the members facing each other, characterized in that the composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) consists a) at least one longitudinal adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) that is in physical contact with the first and second panel members or at least one adhesive film that is in physical contact with at least the first a panel member and a second adhesive film that is in physical contact with at least the second panel member, b) at least one core longitudinal material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) disposed between the at least one adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830); and c) at least one longitudinal spacer element (210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) arranged perpendicular to the planes formed by the first and second panel members, and having a width less than or equal to said finite distance, wherein at least one spacer the element is bendable perpendicular to its width, wherein the at least one spacer element extends along the length of the composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) and the at least one spacer element (210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) is glued, partially embedded or embedded in the at least one longitudinal core material, wherein the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) of the composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) is different in material composition from the composition of the at least one core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820), and at least a portion of the longitudinal core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) is positioned between the spacer element (210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) and an air space defined by the first and second panel members and the composite seal (220, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800). The composite structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) has a higher percentage by weight of tackifier resin than said at least one core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820), the resin having a relative molecular weight of less than 10,000. Mixed structure according to claim 5, characterized in that the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) contains 2 to 50 wt. and the at least one core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) contains less than 20 wt. the tackifier resin, and the percentage by weight of the tackifier resin in said at least one adhesive film is at least 2 wt. higher than at least one core material. Mixed structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the percentage by weight of desiccant in said at least one core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) is higher than in the adhesive film (230, 330,430). , 530, 630, 730, 830). Mixed structure according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) contains at least 5 to 50 wt. % of a desiccant, and the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) contains less than 12 wt. and that the percentage by weight of the desiccant in the at least one core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) is at least 2 wt. as in the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830). A mixed structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) has a higher modulus than the core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820). Mixed structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) has a higher modulus than the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830 ). The mixed structure of claim 4, wherein the composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) is further provided with a protective film that is in direct physical contact with the space between the first and second panel members. and a composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800), and which is in continuous contact with the internal circuits formed by the composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) and the first and second panel member. Mixed structure according to claim 11, characterized in that the protective film forms a barrier against the ingress of volatile substances from said at least one core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) into the sealed space. Composite construction according to claim 11, characterized in that the protective film contains less volatile organic matter after exposure to ultraviolet radiation than the composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) without the protective film. Mixed structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) consists of a polymer material having a primary glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 5 ° C. below the primary glass transition temperature (Tg) of said at least one core material. The mixed structure of claim 4, wherein the combined thermal conductivity of the at least one core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) is at least 10% lower than the thermal conductivity of the adhesive film (230, 330). 430, 530, 630, 730, 830). Mixed structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) is vulcanizable, provided that at least one core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) is not vulcanized. The mixed structure of claim 4, wherein the at least one spacer element (210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) is a metal spacer element (210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810), which is corrugated along its entire length. Mixed structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one spacer element (210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) is made of plastic or cellulose or cross-linked rubber, or combinations thereof. Mixed structure according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least one spacer element (210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) is a corrugated laminate composed of metal and cellulose, plastic or cross-linked rubber. The mixed structure of claim 4, wherein the core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) comprises a foamed polymer material. Mixed structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) is an isobutylene-based polymer. The mixed structure of claim 4, wherein the at least one core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) is an isobutylene-based polymer. The mixed structure of claim 21, wherein the at least one core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) is an isobutylene-based polymer. A mixed structure according to claim 21, characterized in that the spacer element (210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) is formed by a corrugated metal strip. 25. The mixed structure of claim 24, wherein the isobutylene-based polymer is at least 20 wt. adhesive film polymers (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830). A mixed structure comprising at least first and second transparent or translucent panel members having inverted parallel surfaces disposed at a definite distance therebetween and a composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) according to claim 1, disposed circumferentially of the first and second panel members, which is in physical contact with the faces of the members facing each other, characterized in that the composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) consists of a) of at least one adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) arranged along the length of the composite gasket (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) which is in physical contact with a first and a second panel member or at least one adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) that is in physical contact with at least the first panel member, and a second adhesive film that is in physical contact with at least a second panel member, b) at least one core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) disposed between at least one adhesive film (230, 330,430,530,630,730, 830); and c) at least one longitudinal spacer (210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) continuously arranged along the length of the composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) having a maximum of its stiffness arranged perpendicular to the planes formed by the first and second panel members, and the at least one spacer element (210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) is glued, partially embedded, or embedded in the at least one longitudinal core material, wherein at least one the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) is different in its material composition from that of the core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820), while increasing the cycles until the composite seal fails (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) by a factor of at least 1.25 with these cycles and failure above a comparable seal composition having the same spacing element (210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) and material cores (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) where adhesive the film in this comparable composite seal has the same material composition as the core material. A mixed construction according to claim 26, characterized in that the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) contains a greater amount of tackifier and glass adhesion promoter, based on weight percent, as the material core. The mixed structure of claim 27, wherein the failure increase factor over the comparable composite seal is at least 2.0, wherein the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) comprises at least 2 % wt. % more tackifier and at least 0.25 wt. glass adhesion promoter as core material. Mixed structure according to claim 28, characterized in that the adhesive film (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) contains at least 5 wt. % more tackifier and at least 0.50 wt. glass adhesion promoter as core material (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820), the glass adhesion promoter being a silane compound. A method of making a composite seal (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) according to claim 1 comprising extruding at least two coating surfaces on at least two different surfaces of the extruded material with the same extrusion die, characterized in that the first coating is extruded first. the second extrudate material is subsequently extruded onto a preselected surface of the first extruded material, and a third extruded material, which may be the same or different from the second material, is finally extruded onto another preselected surface of the first extruded material, and finally the second and third extrudates a material for forming the desired coating arrangement on the extruded first material. The method of claim 30, wherein the second and third material is applied equidistantly from the extruded first material through the die. Method according to claim 31, characterized in that the spacer element (210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) is fed to the extrusion die and the first coating material is extruded onto at least one surface of the spacer element (210, 310 , 410, 510, 610, 710, 810), further forming the first material with opposite surfaces of the casting channel, wherein the second and third material are the same, and finally forming the second and third material with opposite but parallel surfaces of the casting channel.